Sand Hill Angels RAW
Our members are a rich source of information and mentoring throughout a company’s lifetime. Having a great idea is only the first step in the process of building a venture. Learning to effectively communicate your idea, as well as garner interest and excitement around it, are also critical to success.
If you’re running a start-up, you need capital. After friends & family rounds, and your own influx of personal capital, seeking money from angel investors is the next step. Angels investors invest their own money in early-stage startups.
Whether never raised money before, or are well into the fundraising process, getting feedback from investors about what they look for can be an invaluable experience.
What is Sand Hill Angels RAW?
Sand Hill Angels has been working with startups for nearly 20 years and we pride ourselves on being more than just a source of capital. Our members are a rich source of information and mentoring throughout a company’s lifetime. Having a great idea is only the first step in the process of building a venture. Learning to effectively communicate your idea, as well as garner interest and excitement around it, are also critical to success.
RAW is one of our ways to nurture early-stage startups outside of our fundraising process. We provide real-time advice in a fast-paced, low-pressure environment that’s ideal for learning, socializing and networking. Entrepreneurs deliver five-minute elevator pitches to an audience of SHA members, invited guests, and fellow participants, followed by a quick Q&A, member impressions and advice. If you’re looking for a unique opportunity to learn from, and get connected to, the start-up community, RAW is for you.
How Does RAW Work?
The RAW format iS 5-5-5
1. Five minutes of presentation
It's some kind of "elevator pitch", but you have to present your project without any slides. Imagine that you meet an investor in a restaurant and he gives you 5 minutes to talk with him while he finishes his cup of coffee.
2. Five minutes of Q&A
The next step is a 5 minute Q&A session. How you answer questions is as important as what you present.
3. Five minutes of non-rebuttal feedback
The feedback part is the key attraction of RAW. Presenters want to know what they should do the next few months to build a great business. All attendees provide written feedback to all of the entrepreneurs— but only the investors get to talk here.
4. Ask Sand Hill Angels Anything
At the end of the session presentations, we offer an extended Q&A with the Sand Hill Angels investors called “Ask Sand Hill Angels Anything.” This gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to turn the tables and ask investors about anything on their minds - which includes: business strategy advice, current funding landscape, investment philosophy, or due diligence process / timeline.